longer our
paymaster. 10. That he considers himself wronged by us, however, I am
well aware; so that, even when he sends for me, I am unwilling to go to
him, principally from feeling shame, because I am conscious of having
been in all respects false to him; and in addition, from being afraid,
that, when he has me in his power, he may take vengeance on me for the
matters in which he conceives that he has been injured. 11. This,
therefore, seems to me to be no time for us to sleep, or to neglect our
own safety; but, on the contrary, to consider what we must do under
these circumstances.[35] As long as we remain here, it seems necessary
to consider how we may best remain with safety; or, if we determine upon
going at once, how we may depart with the greatest security, and how we
may obtain provisions; for without these, the general and the private
soldier are alike inefficient.[36] 12. Cyrus is indeed a most valuable
friend to those to whom he is a friend, but a most violent enemy to
those to whom he is an enemy. He has forces, too, both infantry and
cavalry, as well as a naval power, as we all alike see and know; for we
seem to me to be encamped at no great distance from him. It is therefore
full time to say whatever any one thinks to be best." Having spoken
thus, he made a pause.

13. Upon this, several rose to speak; some, of their own accord, to
express what they thought; others, previously instructed by Clearchus,
to point out what difficulty there would be, either in remaining or
departing, without the consent of Cyrus. 14. One of these, pretending
to be eager to proceed with all possible haste to Greece, proposed that
they should choose other commanders without delay, if Clearchus were
unwilling to conduct them back; that they should purchase provisions, as
there was a market in the Barbarian camp, and pack up their baggage;
that they should go to Cyrus, and ask him to furnish them with ships, in
which they might sail home; and, if he should not grant them, that they
should beg of him a guide, to conduct them back through such parts of
the country as were friendly towards them.[37] But if he would not even
allow them a guide, that they should, without delay, form themselves in
warlike order, and send a detachment to take possession of the heights,
in order that neither Cyrus nor the Cilicians, ("of whom," said he, "we
have many prisoners, and much money that we have taken,") may be the
first to occupy them. Such wer